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Spring has sprung, and with it comes the promise of warmer weather — and convertibles.

Surprisingly, most drop tops cost little more than a plebeian sedan or bland crossover SUV.
Better yet, most affordable convertibles carry iconic nameplates, offering looks that are sure to
resonate with you.

Here are test drives I took on convertibles at or less than $31,000 — about the average price of
a new car.

Grab your sunblock and shades. It’s time to go for a spin.

Chevrolet Camaro

Base price: $30,660

Yes, you can get a Camaro with a V-8 and as much as 580 horsepower, but that will double the
price and require pricey premium fuel. Given our congested arteries, most drivers will find the V-6
a perfect solution. With 323 horsepower, there’s plenty of power without extreme thirst — the EPA
rates it at

29 mpg on the highway. Its handling and style will impress you, even on rainy days. Visibility,
however, is impaired with the roof up.

Chrysler 200

Base price: $27,100

The 200 is a rarity: a true midsize convertible that seats four adults comfortably and can hold
as much as 13 cubic feet of luggage. Two power tops are offered: a body-color steel hardtop or a
cloth soft top. Either can be retracted remotely via a key fob. Power comes from a 283-horsepower
V-6 or a 173-horsepower four-cylinder engine. For 2013, Chrysler revised the suspension for
improved handling.

Mini Cooper

Base price: $25,850

The Mini Cooper still epitomizes the brand in a way that newer Minis, such as the Mini Roadster,
can’t. And the convertible model is, perhaps, the most-desirable. After all, top-down motoring is
rarely this adorable without being emasculating. Power choices range from mild (121 horsepower) to
wild (208 horsepower). But for most buyers, the performance that matters most is how quickly the
top folds. For the record: under 15 seconds.

Fiat 500C

Base price: $19,500

If you’re a single guy who wants to catch a woman’s eye, opt for the Fiat 500. Seriously. This
little mouse attracts the attention of women by the bucketful. That said, it’s best for women to
note that it doesn’t attract guys — it’s as cuddly as a basket of puppies. There’s plenty of
front-seat room, while the interior’s clever design hides the inexpensive nature of the materials.
And its roof can be partially opened like a sunroof.

Ford Mustang

Base price for 2014 model: $27,200

The Mustang’s classic styling, buffed to a modern sheen, speeds you back in time. Go ahead, turn
the key and listen to what Dearborn muscle sounds like. Next, put the car in gear. Then, step on
the accelerator and hold on. That’s when quibbles fade. Yes, its interior is every bit as retro as
its exterior, resulting in an ergonomic nightmare. Who cares? You want sensible? Buy a Fiesta.

Jeep Wrangler

Base price: $22,195

Sure, any convertible will get you to the beach. But how many will allow you to drive across it?
Only one: the iconic Jeep Wrangler with a 285-horsepower V-6 and a choice of a six-speed manual or
a five-speed automatic transmission. For 2013, it gets new seats, interior LED lighting, dual
windshield-washer nozzles and an optional Alpine audio system. A new soft top with three layers
helps reduce noise. Yes, it’s still unrefined — but it is a Jeep.

Volkswagen Beetle

Base price: $24,995

Like the Beetle coupe, the Beetle convertible receives a sportier appearance for 2013. With its
top raised, the Beetle convertible has an even lower roofline than the coupe’s. Three engines are
offered, including a turbocharged diesel that returns 41 mpg in highway driving. Initially, it's
available in special editions that evoke three decades in American history — the 1950s, ’60s and ’7
0s.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Base price: $23,720

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has become as legendary as the classic British sports cars it emulates. But
unlike them, the Miata is reliable while being as much fun to fling about. This car is so perfectly
realized that little has changed. Its 2-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine produces 167 horsepower and
has a 7,200-rpm redline. There’s room for two adults, a couple of weekend bags and the desire for
the perfect open road.